Special electronics recycling collection set for Dec. 15

Starting in early 2013, state law prohibits electronics -- such as old VCRs, televisions and radios -- from being collected with regular trash.

That is a key reason why Erie County government's Recycling Convenience Center will open in December to help local residents get rid of items before the new rules take effect.

Don Blakesley, the county's recycling coordinator, said the center, which typically closes after October, will open for a single-day collection on Dec. 15.

The center, located at 1624 Filmore Ave. in Millcreek Township, will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The center gives residents an environmentally safe way to get rid of unwanted televisions, computer equipment, paints, household cleaners and other items.

Usually open from March through October, Blakesley said the special December collection is related to the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act, enacted in 2010.

The law, starting Jan. 24, prohibits consumers from disposing of certain electronics in their regular trash.

Those items, as of late January, will have to be disposed of at an operation like the Recycling Convenience Center.

"I'm getting a lot of calls from people about this new law," Blakesley said last week. "We're thinking about adding dates in January and February, too. We're waiting on (state Department of Environmental Protection) approval for that, but that shouldn't be a problem."

The new law was prompted by concerns that electronic waste contains potentially toxic materials like mercury and cadmium. There are also potentially valuable items in many electronics, such as gold, silver, aluminum and copper.

Blakesley said preregistration is required for the Dec. 15 collection, and residents can call (866) 815-0016 for more details.

The cost is currently $20 for the first 100 pounds of items dropped off, with an additional 75 cents per pound after that.

KEVIN FLOWERS can be reached at 870-1693 or by e-mail. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ETNflowers.